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#41 Jersey

from a macbook by Doug Robinson

February 24, 2016:

Well, after making its way across several states and countries, the #41 jersey finally made its way to me. Bobby Lietzke presented it to me in front of the team on Michigan State weekend. Needless to say, it was hard to maintain my composure when Bobby draped the jersey across my now frail chest. The jersey ended up with 103 signatures, including 3 members of the College Football Hall of Fame and a Heisman Trophy finalist. Many of the signatures are from Generals and war heroes. I know every one of them and every single one of them would do anything they could to help me. Many already have done so much. Humbling. Don’t ever doubt the Bolt Brotherhood, it exists in a very meaningful way. Thank you Bobby and everyone who signed it.

Kreg

Kreg, I feel as if my family has lived much of my football career through my stories. I shared several on my own, the rest are a result from the many questions they have about the game and “life” in the Big House. Please note; you are part of their common understanding of what it means to be part of the “Bolt Brotherhood”. I shared some stories about a few of the games, practices, and workouts we had during those years. Each time I tell them, it brings a smile to my face. Coach DeBerry, Coach Johnson, playing FB in Mexico, the Freedom Bowl, the Slugs, are you kidding me?

We had some wonderful memories and I feel blessed to be a part of it. In the end, all I wanted to do was play D-I ball as a kid. Seems fairly crazy and fairly unrealistic now. Honestly, I don’t know how anyone makes it. The odds are so unlikely.

I want you to know our thoughts and prayers are with you. You are an integral part of our collective DNA now and through the rest of our lives.

Stay strong my brother and always feel free to reach out to any of us for any reason.

Falcon Forever,

—-Kevin

I’m another Falcon – a year ahead of your father. Since I was an offensive lineman, your dad & I ‘crossed paths’ on occasion at practice. Off the field, Kreg hung out with the DBs, who thought they were special because they had a little athletic ability, while I was with the linemen. We were special because we were better looking and ate more. Almost 30 years later, I am still hanging out with the offensive linemen since I coach them at Warner Robins High School in Georgia. Since learning of Kreg’s battle with ALS and your blog, I use his story as an example of true character, strength and courage. Some of my players think they are ‘up against it’ from time to time and they do face some tough issues, but few of us have faced a situation or opponent like Kreg has. He is a model of how to battle real adversity in a way that inspires others.

The Warner Robins Demons are pulling for Kreg through this. We wish your beautiful family all the best and will continue to follow Kreg’s progress. You are all in our prayers constantly.

Go Birds – Go Demons!

John Teague

Defacing Bully in Starkville for #41…

Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your wonderful family. In the words of Jimmy Valvano…”Don’t give up…Don’t ever give up!”

God Bless you and your family,

Hoss and Big D

Kreg, wish we all had the courage and strength that you have! It is an honor to sign your jersey and send along to other “family” members to sign. Stay strong and know that thoughts and prayers are with you every day.

Dee Dowis

Tom Kafka (Class of 1990) here in Panama City, Fl. ALS has touched me personally also. My Dad had it. My Dad, Like Your Dad is Loved by just about everyone who knows them. Like my Dad, Yours always has a smile on his Face. Like your Dad, they never give up and care more bout others than themselves.

Honored to get to sign his Jersey. All my best to you and your Dad. Have a Great 4th of July Weekend,

Tom Kafka

USAFA Fighting Falcon Football Brother

Michael J. and I were sophomores at the Academy when your Dad was a senior.

I actually remember in my freshman year and the first time I realized that Kreg was one the fastest white guys i had seen on a football field. It was when he was lining up to catch punts and I wondered why we had a white guy catching punts. Then he caught the punt and started running.

Anyway, a couple of weeks ago Michael J. flew in on a Tuesday night and on Wednesday we visited a few different locations.

The first was in Fort Collins, Colorado (where I live), and it was Hughes Stadium, the home of the CSU Rams where your Dad played his Senior year. Being as they are a big rival, we thought it was a good spot to take a picture with the jersey.

Unfortunately, there was not any facilities staff on site so we could not go onto the field. And we did not think that jumping the fence would be a good idea at our age.

The second stop was Mile High Stadium, home of the Denver Broncos. We really wanted to get an “on the field” photo so we walked around the stadium and met some really nice people who made some calls to the stadium maintenance staff and next thing you know we were on the field.

Not only did we get a photo on the field, but also in the Bronco’s locker room, and in the Post Game Press Conference Room. Of course we had to take some cornet photos in the Press Room.

Then, on the way to the airport to drop Michael J. off for his return flight that afternoon, we also stopped by Coors Field, the home of the Colorado Rockies. We couldn’t park very close to the stadiums we just pulled over in a red zone and did a “Chinese fire drill” with the camera and tri pod and got our last shot of the day.

Be assured that all of your Dad’s Falcon Brothers are keeping you and your family in our prayers.

Take Care,

Michael Betance ‘90, #19

and

Michael Jurries ‘90, #21

Kreg, I signed it upper left shoulder pad….right where you’d hit the running backs after all my missed tackles! -Derick

Class of ‘89 representing! Anthony “Roby” Roberson, Tim “Brownie” Brown, Rob Krause, and Andy Smith at the Kevin Shea memorial statue observing Memorial Day and sending our thoughts and prayers to Kreg and family! Stay strong! The Falcon Brotherhood is always at the ready to support!

Kreg,

All the best to you and your beautiful family. There are questions each of us have that won’t be answered until the hereafter. We will continue to pray for you and your family. We had some great days as Falcons, thank goodness for those days.

Terry Maki

…Lord,I believe; help thou my unbelief. Mark 9:24

Blessings from Boise! Falcon families always welcome …

– John Hruby ’89

Kreg,

See the attached picture of your jersey in front of my “I love me wall”.

Look forward to talking this week

John

Kreg, know that you and your family are lifted up in prayer each and every day.As Coach Mac would say, “Geez-oh-Mōzee boys we can beat these guys”. You can beat it!
Be smoothe!”Fight the good fight” 1 Timothy 6:12Tom Rotello ’87

I join the chorus of Falcon Brothers who love and respect your father dearly. My name is Dave Hlatky, and I was a year younger than your dad. I was an offensive lineman, so your dad and I made “contact” a time or two. I am on the right in the photo wearing glasses. The other guy in the photo is my genetic brother, Greg. I asked him to share in the photo for two reasons. First, because he played for Navy during your dad’s senior year, and I think they actually played against each other. Second, because only a “brother” would generate such an outpouring of respect and hope.I’m sure you’ve heard some great stories about the elegance and class your dad displayed back at the academy. You’ve probably also heard a lot about his toughness and tenacity. Your dad is one of those guys who always kept working and never had much negative to say. I can’t imagine how difficult things are, but I’m certain I know exactly how your dad is facing them.It pains us all to know that you all are challenged by this. We keep your family in our thoughts and prayers. It’s wonderful to see what you have done to keep your dad’s spirits up and I am very happy to hear the positive results from the stem cells. It is a sincere privilege to have been your dad’s teammate and I am thankful for the chance to let you know how much the brotherhood cares about your dad and your family.

Dave Hlatky
#64, USAFA ’89

Hello, my name is Eric Faison (class of ’90) and I had the honor and privilege of being your father’s team mate during the 1986 and 1987 seasons at the Air Force Academy. Earl Scott (class of ’91) was also a defensive back. We continue to keep Kreg and your family in our prayers and acknowledge his brave fight to overcome his illness. The attached pictures are at RAF Mildenhall, United Kingdom and the aircraft is a CV-22 Ospreys. I’m sure your father passed through this base a few times while flying with the Air Force.

The poem below was introduced to me a few years ago and reminds me how Kreg has always tackled life’s challenges. Give Kreg and your family our best!

Eric Faison

SEE IT THROUGH

When you’re up against a trouble,

Meet it squarely, face to face;

Lift your chin and set your shoulders,

Plant your feet and take a brace.

When it’s vain to try to dodge it,

Do the best that you can do;

You may fail, but you may conquer,

See it through!

Black may be the clouds about you

And your future may seem grim,

But don’t let your nerve desert you;

Keep yourself in fighting trim.

If the worst is bound to happen,

Spite of all that you can do,

Running from it will not save you,

See it through!

Even hope may seem but futile,

When with troubles you’re beset,

But remember you are facing

Just what other men have met.

You may fail, but fall still fighting;

Don’t give up, whate’er you do;

Eyes front, head high to the finish.

See it through!

-Edgar Albert Guest

Eric said it perfectly…my only addition is that your entire family is in our thoughts and prayers as you ALL fight this battle together! God bless and God speed.

-Earl

Kreg,

I think of you often. My memories are usually of us skiing moguls on a day we should have been splicing film and then standing in front of Maj. Mitchell answering some awkward questions, playing basketball during our coach’s lunch break or hanging out at some bar in Tempe trying to relieve the stress of pilot training. You are definitely in some of my fondest memories as I am sure you are part of many other’s as well. Strength is something you’ve always had in spades and I know it is serving you well now. Your friend and brother.

Frank Martini

Kreg, I gave your jersey a little San Diego sunshine!
Remember DB’s have to have short memories after a bad play because the next play is Ours! Keep the Faith!
Here’s to You my Brother!

Mike Toliver #43 class of 87.

We wanted to honor Kreg and his service to our great country with this logo.

God Bless,

EJ

You have heard this thousands of times from the dressing room,

“Don’t you ever, ever, ever, ever give in or give up and we will win !!!!

Love you,

Coach D

Steve Senn `89´

We missed the first pass through San Antonio, but the timing was perfect as I was able to catch Jimmie returning home from the middle east just as the jersey arrived. Keep smooth, Kreg, and stomp this thing in the dirt. Our thoughts, prayers, and Falcon strength coming your way.

– Scott Gierat ’89 and Jimmie Payne ’89

The jersey spent some time in San Antonio, where 9 football friends and a Pilot training friend gathered to sign it.

Thank you Forrest for hosting, and thank you guys for the photos!

Tom Sharpy ’87 and Chris Forseth ‘87

FoFo ’88

Stacey “Nootz” Knutzen ‘88

Fitz ’73

Rick Ritchie ’88

Greedy ’88 & FoFo ‘88

Jimmy T ’88 & FoFo ‘88

Kraig “King Booty” Evenson ‘86

Jimmy T, Rick, FoFo, Fitz ’73, & Nootz

Greedy ’88 & Melch ‘85

Blake Gettys and Dave Stimac on the Elmendorf flight line in Alaska

We are all pulling for you Kreg. Our strength, is your strength. From your Falcon brothers, you are always in our thoughts and prayers.Rip Burgwald

I am inspired by the attitude, the courage, and the endurance that your dad is showing all of us. As an old saying goes, “Heroism is endurance for one moment more.” Your dad is a hero to many. Please let him know that Tammy and I are praying for him.

Respectfully,

Chad Hennings

Greetings from Atlanta watching the Falcons take back our trophy. You are in our thoughts and prayers. Stay strong my brother.

JERSEY #41 IS WHAT FAMILY AND AIR FORCE FOOTBALL IS ALL ABOUT. FOLLOWING THE JERSEY #41 BLOG ON THE WEBSITE MAKES ME KNOW AS A COACH, I HAVE BEEN EXTREMELY BLESSED TO HAVE COACHED THE TRUE WARRIORS OF OUR COUNTRY. GENERAL SCOTT ALWAYS SAID THAT OUR MISSION AT THE ACADEMY WAS TO TURN OUT WARRIORS. GENERAL SCOTT HAS DEFINITELY LEAD THE AWESOME SUCCESS OF THIS MISSION. I FOLLOW THE JERSEY #41 BLOG KNOWNG THAT AIR FORCE FOOTBALL IS ONE OF THE STRONGEST BROTHERHOODS KNOWN TO MAN. THANK GOD FOR ALL OF YOU GUYS. IN CLOSING, I THANK YOU GUYS FOR ALL THE LOVE THAT YOU TRULY HAVE FOR EACH OTHER. I AM PROUD OF ALL OF YOU. GO FALCONS, COACH MAC